Tuesday game with San Diego State

Returning home after their three game series with the Pacific Tigers the Long Beach State Dirtbags were looking for an easy mid-week win against the visiting San Diego State Aztecs.

The Aztecs came into Blair Field with a 9-20 record, a record that warranted suspicious looks. When you consider their head coach is none other than San Diego Padres legend Tony Gwynn, you'd expect something better. However, it has been a rebuilding year for the Aztecs.

With a win expected the Dirtbags went to work against Aztecs starter Craig Rasmussen. While Rasmussen didn't last long he did keep the LBSU bats quiet, giving up only one hit. Little did both teams know there would he a combined 13 pitchers used throughout the Tuesday contest. Freshman Jake Stassi started for the 'Niners, but he to had a short leash, lasting only three innings.

Rightfielder Juan Avila provided the Dirtbags offense with two runs batted in.

"My [approach] was off so [me and LBSU hitting coach Sean Gilbert] worked on it and it clicked," Avila said. "I'm seeing the ball a lot better now."

Overall, the pitching was above average the entire night, for both teams. Fortunately, for the home team they came out on top, 3-1.

The Dirtbags first got on the board in the fifth inning, putting two runs on the board against Aztecs relief pitcher Mike Hatchedorian. They would later add another run in the seventh inning.

SDSU would score a run of their own in the eighth inning off of pitcher Nate Underwood, but the game had already been decided.